Foliar and pollen characters of Solanum nigrum L. and Croton bonplandianum Baill. in evaluation of purity of air.

摘要

Foliar and pollen characters of Solanum nigrum and Croton bonplandianus were studied for their role as phytoindicators in monitoring environmental state by comparing samples from a heavily polluted area with those from a relatively pollution free area. Two study sites, namely Golapbag (Burdwan University Campus), Burdwan (site 1), and Risha of Hoogly district (site 2), were selected as relatively non-polluted and heavily polluted areas, respectively. S. nigrum plants growing at site 2 showed higherstomatal frequency than those growing at site 1. Stomatal length (L) of this species was reduced from 0.0375 at site 1 to 0.02μ at site 2 and the breadth (B) from 0.027 to 0.02μ. Accordingly, the L/B ratio was reduced from 1.37 to 1. Individuals of C.bonplandianus growing at both sites showed identical stomatal frequency. Stomatal L and B reduced proportionaly thus the L/B ratio remained unchanged. Pollen fertility values of both species growing at site 2 were lower than those at site 1. Results indicate that these species are potential phytoindicators.